(Screenshot via YouTube.)

Shemar Moore says he feels the need to refute gay rumors that have swirled around him for the past decade because he believes it’s “simpleminded ignorance.”

The 46-year-old actor spoke with BET.com in promotion for his new movie “The Bounce Back” and explained why he often takes to social media to say he’s straight when speculation about his sexuality begins.

“I just think it’s all silly. If you’re gay, you’re gay. I’m not, and I know that and I’m very comfortable with who I am and I love women. I’ve dated plenty of them. If you think I’m gay, send your girlfriend over to my house for the weekend and see what happens. For real,” Moore says. “You can call that arrogant if you want to. I just call it confident. You can call me whatever you want, but you don’t know me.”

“I have fans that are gay, men that come up to me, and they’re inspired by me, or they like me as an entertainer, and when they want to give me a hug or take pictures with me, what, am I supposed to not put my arm around them or stand next to them, and if the man next to me in the picture is gay, that makes me gay? That’s just simpleminded ignorance, and I don’t play that,” Moore continued.

Rumors that Moore is gay began in 2007 when Moore was photographed on a gay beach in Hawaii. They cropped up again earlier this year when Moore posted a photo with his friend on Instagram.

Comments that Moore was gay because of the photo led Moore to make a response video.

Peace Out Toronto… Thank You for all the love n good times ✌?️✌?️

A photo posted by Shemar Moore (@shemarfmoore) on Jun 23, 2016 at 10:03am PDT

Yup… I said it!!! Let the comments begin… ?? I got NOTHING BUT LOVE FOR MY FANS… PERIOD!!! ?❤️

A video posted by Shemar Moore (@shemarfmoore) on Jun 23, 2016 at 8:39pm PDT

“The Bounce Back” is currently in theatres.